Photo: Domenico Convertini from Zurich, Schweiz, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Namibia · Southern Africa · Desert

Skeleton Coast and Damaraland

Shipwrecks, seal colonies and desert-adapted elephants.

The Skeleton Coast is foggy, wild and strange. Inland Damaraland has ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein and elephants and rhinos that survive in near-desert.

Highlights

  • Cape Cross seal colony
  • Twyfelfontein rock engravings
  • Desert-adapted elephants
  • Shipwrecks

Wildlife to look for

Where to stay

Lodges in Damaraland; very remote fly-in camps on the northern coast.

Getting there

Self-drive from Swakopmund or Windhoek, or fly-in safaris.

Tips

  • Check road conditions and carry extra fuel and water.
  • Rhino tracking on foot is possible in some conservancies.
  • Pair with Etosha.

Best time to visit

May to Oct. See where to go in Africa in May and our guide to the best time to visit Africa.

Plan your stay

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Skeleton Coast and Damaraland?

May to Oct. Check road conditions and carry extra fuel and water.

How long should I spend at Skeleton Coast and Damaraland?

3 nights.

How do I get to Skeleton Coast and Damaraland?

Self-drive from Swakopmund or Windhoek, or fly-in safaris.

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